Introduction
Yoga is a practice from India that bridges the mind, body and spirit. The roots of yoga are ancient, dating back to 5,000 years, and for a long time, it was only practiced in India.
Countries in the West and elsewhere in the world viewed yoga as a Western practice for body sculpting. With the help of many dedicated yoga teachers, practitioners, and institutions, the benefits of yoga that
Promote not only mind support but also physical and spiritual health became recognized in the West. In fact, the implementation of the UN’s proclamation that the 21 of June be called the International Day of Yoga has prompted the worldwide community to focus on yoga once again.
India’s PM Narendra Modi has shown great support for ancient Indian traditions and values. When the UN initiated the 21st of June as the International Day of Yoga, it received much support as over 175 member nations voted for it. The date was formalized on December 10, 2014.
PM said in the UNGA that it is possible to ‘deal with climate change’ by changing lifestyles and consciousness and therefore called on the leaders of the world to adopt an ‘International Yoga Day’.
According to him, Yoga unifies the mind and body and thought and action. He said it promotes the restraint of urges, fulfilment, and harmony of humanity and nature. Yoga is a holistic practice of health and improvement.
Connection of Yoga with Mental Health
More than 36 million Americans (and countless more around the globe) practice yoga, which dates back thousands of years with a rich history of philosophical and spiritual roots. While many practitioners of yoga (especially in the United States) participate in the discipline primarily for the physical benefits, there are indeed significant mental health benefits as well.
Psychological Benefits of Yoga
Release helpful brain chemicals - Most exercise triggers the release of "feel-good" chemicals in the brain. These mood boosting chemicals include brain messengers such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Although yoga movements are slow and controlled, they still elevate your heart rate, make the muscles work hard, and stimulate the release of brain chemicals. As a result, yoga can make you happier.
Ease Anxiety - Yoga can improve anxiety. The breath training included in yoga may be especially effective, as there is a relationship between anxiousness and breathing problems. If you have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, yoga may not help. Still, some psychologists are using yoga to supplement other forms of therapy.
Improve Sleep- Research suggests that yoga can improve sleep. This may be especially true for older adults. In one study of yoga participants over the age of 60, participants reported an increase in both the quality and quantity of their sleep. They also increased their sleep efficiency, which measures the percentage of time in bed actually spent sleeping.
How to Use Yoga to Improve Your Mental Health
The most effective way to learn yoga is under the guidance of a qualified instructor, whether in individual or group classes. A trained teacher can help adjust your postures and demonstrate modifications when needed. Props such as blocks and straps can assist in making poses more accessible, and if necessary, yoga can be practiced while seated in a chair rather than on the floor.
Significance of International Yoga Day
Folded hands represent the unification of yoga, which is a perfect melodic harmony between mind and body, man and nature, and the union of consciousness with that of universal consciousnessThe Earth element is represented by brown leaves,